Thursday, May 25, 2006

In addition to teaching and designing, I craft for a cause. Today I mailed a package out for the children and parents of the UC Davis Pediatric Cancer Infusion center in Sacramento CA. While standing in the post office line, I started thinking about the issues my family has had to deal with in the past two months, and I realized that this was nothing compared to the battle these children and their families deal with on a daily basis.

The rest of the day was spent thinking of each crisis, and finding the bright side of each....also known as "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Here goes -

The end of March, my 83 yo mother fell when she forgot to take her walker with her to check her mail box (across a busy road). She fell in the road. I'm thankful a passing car didn't hit her, that she didn't break a hip, and for the person that stopped her car to help her up. This fall may be attributed to a minor stroke, along with the decline in memory she's having. I'm thankful that she remembers who I am after I gently remind her.

My husband had a biopsy the first part of April. I'm thankful it wasn't malignant and the surgery was minor. Our 24th wedding anniversary was May 6th - the celebration was extra special.

Also in April, during a routine septic cleaning, it was found that our septic system (the entire thing) was failing and has to be replaced. I'm thankful the current one hasn't failed completely, that the "perk" test passed the second go-round, and the plans are now at the county awaiting approval. Pssssssst....I'd be over-the-moon thankful if the plans would get approved quickly so that construction could start.

By end of April, my blood pressure was consistently high. Since my cholesterol level is high too, doctor started me on medication. I'm thankful that the doctor is open to natural methods and the medication she prescribed is a natural - just wish the medical insurance would see it that way and cover it. Ahhh...well.

First part of May, hubby's car needed a new clutch - a minor issue that cost major dollars. I'm thankful the car is paid for.

Day after car is fixed, our family dog passed away. I'm thankful for the many loving years with him, and the vivid memory of him and hubby chasing sea gulls on the beach.

The weekend after, hubby's 83 yo mother fell and broke her wrist. The doctor says it will heal - I'm extremely thankful for that - it could have been so much worse.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything.You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life.You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you.

Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace.You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life.Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times.

At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you.You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others.You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

....in a kingdom not too far away, lived a little Cocker Spaniel.Before coming to the kingdom, which he called "land of many tennis balls," he lived in another place where he was very unhappy. He ran away many times. Finally the people from the other place refused to pay yet another ransom to free him from the evil dog catchers. Days passed until finally the people from the land of many tennis balls were able to rescue the little prince. They dubbed him, Sir Arthur of Camelot!

He was so happy in this new kingdom - they had all the tennis balls he could chase and trips in the motorhome!

The only flaw he found in this kingdom was a "wicked-witch" cat. She taunted him with the swishing of her tail and ran when he barked. Then one day, she was defeated by age! The people of the kingdom mourned her passing - but Sir Arthur forgave them for their feline weakness as they took no other into the kingdom.

Years passed in this happy kingdom. Time brought a decline of health in the handsome Sir Arthur. His vision blurred (the people called it cataracts); his bones started aching (the people used the word arthritis); he could no longer eat the same foods he did as a young prince (the people whispered about doggie ulcerative colitis). But he never ran away - so brave was he.

Then about 2 weeks ago, he starting limping and wimpering. The arthritis had become horribly painful! The offerings of the people of the kingdom could not ease his pain. And the sweet magician, Dr. Catharine, could not make him younger. All the people in the kingdom cried as valiant Sir Arthur died.

Rest in peace my handsome boy. We miss you so much!******************************************************************

I've felt too overwhelmed by real life recently to post to the blog. The above story is just one of many curves life is throwing at us right now. As soon as it all settles down a bit, I'll have time and energy to put new loom patterns up, post pictures of what I've been working on, etc.